A Cambuslang woman played her part in the opening of the Commonwealth Games - along with her pet dog Dougal!

Helen McNally, from Westburn, and four-year-old Dougal had a whirlwind week, in which they were contacted to take part in the opening of the Games at Celtic Park.

And the pair were delighted to meet Doctor Who and Torchwood star John Barrowman, who provided a musical start to the ceremony with a celebration of all things Scottish.

Speaking last Thursday, just hours after getting home from the ceremony, Helen explained: “I was in working at St Charles’ Primary, and somebody came looking for me because they heard I had a Scottie dog. A couple I know from Nowton had been asked and mentioned my name, and this was on the Thursday.

“By the Friday afternoon, I was all suited and booted and away for the dress rehearsal. It was manic, but it was a great experience.

“We got to walk out with Mozambique and Cyprus. We went out twice because I don’t think they could find enough Scottie dogs - I think they just assumed that they’d be really easy to find, but they had to get a few in from England to make up the numbers!

“We got to go home for 11pm, so we could get away before all the fireworks started - and I’ve still not seen the ceremony yet.

“I got to keep everything that I was wearing, and the dog’s two wee coats.”

Helen and Dougal also met performer Barrowman.

She joked: “John Barrowman is my new best friend!

“We got to meet him, and he was just lovely. He adores dogs and is the patron of one of the dog charities, so I was really pleased that I got a picture of him with Dougal.

“Dougal was just absolutely fantastic - he took it all in his stride - he’s that kind of dog.

“There were hands all over him, patting him, and he just loved it. Afterwards, he was in his cage and just lay there, sleeping - it really didn’t bother him at all.”

Helen added: “It was a chance of a lifetime, and I know it won’t happen again as long as I live. It was fantastic to be involved, as I was a volunteer.”